Tamper-Evident Container With Segmented Interlocking Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging technologies lack a clear indication of tampering, which can compromise the quality and value of consumer goods by failing to provide evidence of container integrity.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-evident container design featuring interlocking flanges with tabs separated by severable lines, where the container is opened by separating inner tabs from outer tabs, with one outer tab remaining attached to the container and another to the first outer tab, requiring significant force to separate, indicating attempted opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container uses a simple closure mechanism, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to provide clear indication of tampering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is segmented into multiple functional components: an outer tab connected to the container body, an inner tab connected to the seal, and a severable line between them. This segmentation allows the container to provide clear tamper indication through the separated tabs while maintaining ease of operation through the simple pull-tab opening mechanism.
2Strength
If the container uses a secure fastening mechanism, then the container integrity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The opening function is extracted and assigned to a separate outer tab that can be easily pulled to initiate opening. The main seal remains securely fastened through the inner tab and interlocking flange mechanism, providing strong container integrity while allowing easy initiation of opening through the extracted outer tab component.
3Reliability
If the container provides clear tamper indication, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper indication function is merged with the existing closure structure by integrating the outer tab, inner tab, and severable line into the flange assembly. This merging provides clear tamper indication through the separated tabs while avoiding additional complex components, as the indication mechanism is combined with the functional closure elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A tamper evident container includes a cover comprising a first interlocking flange with a first inner tab and a first outer tab separated by a first severable line and a base comprising a second interlocking flange with a second inner tab and a second outer tab separated by second severable line, where the first and second interlocking flanges are configured to be fastened together and the container is configured to be opened by separating the first and second inner tabs from the respective first and second outer tabs while one of the first and second outer tabs remains attached to the container and another of the first and second outer tabs is separated from the container and remains attached to the one of the first and second outer tabs.